Is it possible to wash a blood pressure monitor cuff?

Some people are advised to regularly measure their blood pressure, which is helped by a convenient device - a tonometer. However, after some time, after regular use, the owner may notice that the cuff is pretty dirty, and it would be nice to wash it. Is it possible to wash a blood pressure monitor cuff? No, this is strictly contraindicated! What to do then?

Washing will “kill” the cuff

The cuff is made of nylon, and it itself can be machine washed without any consequences. At the same time, the material is also very durable, wear-resistant, and does not absorb dirt, sweat and other contaminants. However, the blood pressure cuff is an integral part of the measuring device itself, and inside it there is an air valve with 1 or 2 tubes coming out of it. The size of this chamber is precisely calibrated, and during the washing process it may change, so there will be no talk of any accuracy of the readings. the cuff will deteriorate after washing

If suddenly you have already, unknowingly, washed your cuff, do not be alarmed. Maybe nothing bad happened. You can check the accuracy of the device at the service center of the corresponding manufacturer (the most popular: Omron, Microlife, B.Well). You can find out where the service center is located either from the warranty card or directly at the place where you purchased the automatic blood pressure monitor.

Attention! Even if you have not washed the tonometer, it is advisable to check the accuracy of its operation at least once every 5 years.

How to clean dirt?

What should you do if you want to clean the cuff, but you can’t wash it? Disinfectants at hand will come to the rescue. Either ethyl alcohol at a concentration of 70% or 3% hydrogen peroxide will do.Take a piece of cable or a napkin, soak it generously in the chosen solution and thoroughly wipe the surface of the cuff. Let the composition dry and repeat the treatment after 15-20 minutes. use hydrogen peroxide

A few more disinfection and storage rules that should be followed:

If possible, clean the device after each use. This is especially true for the inner surface of the cuff, which is in direct contact with the skin of the forearm. Other parts of the device (tubes, stethoscope, rubber bulb, pressure gauge, etc.) can also be treated with an alcohol solution.
Storage conditions for the device: air temperature from 33 degrees below 0 to 55 degrees above 0 with air humidity not higher than 85%. The tubes and chamber must be protected from objects that could damage the elements of the product.

Remember that regular use of hydrogen peroxide may discolor fabrics and surfaces.

If the cuff is completely worn out, it is not necessary to replace the entire device. You can contact a medical equipment store and select a cuff in accordance with the manufacturer of your automatic tonometer. A new part costs just under $10 as of today.

In fact, a ban on washing a blood pressure monitor cuff is not that bad. The nylon itself, from which the part is made, is very resistant to stains. If you store the device correctly and periodically disinfect it, there will be no need for global washing. If you have already washed the device, buy a new one and do not make the same mistake in the future.